Repairing Guides

how to repair torn rv awning

by Luna Legros Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How To Repair RV Awning?

  1. Evaluate the Damage. Assess the tear or a hole in your camper. ...
  2. Disassemble Your RV’s Awning. You can’t fix your awning while it is bound to your RV. ...
  3. Mend Any Small Tears and Holes. It is excellent news if your awning has small tears and holes. ...
  4. Mend the Bigger Tears and Holes. ...
  5. Reinstall Your Renovated Awning. ...

Small holes and tears are easily remedied with water-resistant RV glue. This glue should keep your awning intact for months and sometimes years to come. If you have a bigger tear, you'll have to sew or glue patching materials to the underside of the awning.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a RV awning?

RV awning installation price

  • A small RV awning is for windows and doors
  • A medium RV awning is generally for side deployment
  • A large RV awning is for patio type deployment

How do you repair a ripped RV awning?

To mend more problematic tears and holes, this is what you have to do:

  • With a measuring tape, measure the height and width of a tear or hole.
  • Add 2-inches more to the numbers you have obtained above.
  • Cut your patching material by using fabric scissors or a knife.
  • You can stitch or use an adhesive glue (waterproof), like in the 3rd step, to stick your mending material to your awning.

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How do I clean a RV awning?

How to Clean Your RV Awning: Step by Step

  1. Hose Both Sides Of Your Awning RV Awning Off. The first thing that you need to do is set up your awning. ...
  2. Prepare your cleaning solution. For the cleaning solution, you can choose to purchase a specialty cleaner for awnings. ...
  3. Spray Awning Cleaner On The Underside. ...
  4. Roll It Up or use Brush To Apply Cleaning Solution On The Top. ...

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How to maintain your RV awning?

RV Power Awning Super Easy Maintenance How-to

  • Cleaning the Awning the Easy Way. Our large 21 foot Dometic 9100 RV power awning is made out of vinyl and has held up very well after 4 years of ...
  • Lubricating the RV Power Awning. The owner’s manual for the 9100 Dometic power awning states to use a silicone lubricant. ...
  • Protecting My Vinyl RV Awning. ...
  • RV Awning Roller Ball. ...
  • Final Odds and Ends. ...

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Can you repair the RV awning fabric?

Most likely, if a rip is less than three feet, you can repair the material. So, if that's the case, start your troubleshooting by judging the size of RV awning repair needed below.

How do you fix a tear in a fabric awning?

0:273:11Tear Aid Awning Patch Demonstration: By John Young of the Weekend ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff the paper here and getting this little clear patch ready to go and sticking this right over thisMoreOff the paper here and getting this little clear patch ready to go and sticking this right over this area now you have to have a very clean area.

Can you use flex tape to repair RV awning?

1:538:26Worn & Damaged RV Awning Fabric Repair Using Gorilla Seal TapeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause i had to cut open something and then the flex tape worked very well and held up and stuckMoreBecause i had to cut open something and then the flex tape worked very well and held up and stuck really good and it was water resistant.

How do you repair a tear in an RV canopy?

0:312:44Repairing RV Awning Tear - Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd basically it has steel lock adhesive. And it is for RVs permanent repairs for epdm TPO metalMoreAnd basically it has steel lock adhesive. And it is for RVs permanent repairs for epdm TPO metal fiberglass age rigid PVC vinyl which the awning is vinyl wood OCB and other building materials.

Can a ripped awning be repaired?

Luckily, whether you're dealing with a small hole or a big tear, you can fix these yourself. Small holes and tears are easily remedied with water-resistant RV glue. This glue should keep your awning intact for months and sometimes years to come.

Can you sew an awning?

Purchasing awnings can be expensive but simple to manufacture on your own. With a sewing machine and a visit to your local fabric store, you too can make your own canvas awning.

Does Flex Seal stick to canvas?

Yes, you can use Flex Seal on the canvas of your tent-trailer, hybrid camper or pop-up camper. Flex Seal will adhere to almost any surface including wood, metal, aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, rubber, or vinyl or just about any dry surface ( or even wet).

Can flex tape be used on fabric?

Yes, you can use Flex Seal on clothes and other fabric.

How much does a camper awning cost?

How much does an RV awning cost?RV Awning TypeSize*Cost**Fixed or PermanentSmall (2 feet x 3 feet)$250Medium (4 feet x 8 feet)$500Automatic / Mechanized (Motorized) and RetractableSmall (2 feet x 3 feet)$1,500Medium (4 feet x 8 feet)$2,0006 more rows

How do you fix a ripped canvas awning?

For very small tears and holes in the canvas, you can simply apply a dab of clear silicone caulk with your finger to the area. For corner rips, you may need to loosen each corner in order to access the underside of the canvas awning. Most canvas patio awnings are laced on with awning line.

How do you fix a hole in an awning?

0:441:46Pin Hole Pro vinyl repair compound - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecond place a drop of compound in the void. It. Works on holes up to 1/8 of an inch. But theseMoreSecond place a drop of compound in the void. It. Works on holes up to 1/8 of an inch. But these larger voids may require two or three drops. Allow to dry for 10. Minutes.

How do you fix a small hole in an awning?

To repair a small hole in an awning, begin by wiping the awning down with a warm rag. Once the fabric has dried completely, use either white silicone caulk (for light fabric) or clear caulk (for dark fabric) to begin patching the hole from the underside.

How do you repair a tear in a canvas canopy?

Start with the inside patch, using Tear Mender glue (or something similar that comes with a patch kit), and then use something steady to hold down the area until dry. Now, follow the same process for the outside patch, and voila! Your tent is good as new!

How do you fix a trailer awning?

2:585:51Basic RV Awning Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStarted at the back of the trailer back here came forward to about right here. And then we've got aMoreStarted at the back of the trailer back here came forward to about right here. And then we've got a two inch overlap seam. Going this way we're doing gonna do an overlap seam this way as well.

What happens if you don't set an awning?

When you are attaching your awning, be sure that you fit it correctly to get optimal weather protection and shade. If the awning is not appropriately set, the chances of getting new tears and holes will increase significantly.

What happens if rain drops fall on your head?

Raindrops falling on your head will signal you that something is wrong with your awning. With continued usage, these holes can grow eventually and can create more problems. Large tears: Ignoring a tiny tear on a stormy or a windy day can cause your camper’s awning to rip more. This results in large tears, more than 3 ft.

How to dry a awning?

Allow the awning to dry. Let it dry for a few minutes. If it is still wet, use an absorbent towel or a washcloth and gently dab the wet areas. Also, place any flat item underneath your awning to balance.

What to use to patch an awning?

If you haven’t patched it up soon enough, you will require different patching materials such as sewing supplies, a screwdriver, and a measuring tape. Instead of rushing and turning your awning into a horrible patchwork quilt, slow down and find the material that is of exact or somewhat close to your awning’s color.

What does it feel like to pull an RV out?

The sun has bright and radiant rays, and the birdies are chirping melodiously. After a while, you feel like stretching your legs, so you pull your awning out. That’s when you notice a tear.

Can an awning last forever?

An awning is not constructed to last forever. Weather and environmental damage can create holes and tears. If you do not have a habit of checking your awning, the holes and tears can grow.

Can you repair a tear in an awning?

Such tears are sometimes difficult to repair. Large holes: These holes are often caused when something moves across the awning. The sunlight and rain can pass through the holes easily. Once you know the damage, you can fix it quickly. The repair method of small tears and holes is straightforward.

Why Is My Camper Awning Torn?

If you’re wondering how one or more tears suddenly appeared on your awning, don’t worry. It’s probably not due to neglect on your part. A torn shade screen isn’t always the result of poor maintenance or misuse.

What You Will Need

Before you rush to take it down and get started on the repair, slow down. You’ll need some supplies beforehand to fix the tear.

1. Remove Your Camper Awning

The first thing you’ll have to do is remove your retractable awning. Be particularly careful while removing the window awnings, as a wrong move can cost you an extra window for your RV—or the very least a nasty scratch.

2. Assess The Damage

Now that your awning is down, spread it out and take the time to thoroughly examine it.

3. Repairing Minor Damage

If you only have small holes or tears, consider yourself lucky. You’ll be able to patch up the fabric and get it back on your camper quickly.

4. Fixing Moderate To Severe Tears

If your tears are serious, awning tape won’t do the job. You’ll have to use your replacement material for repair.

Preventing Future Tears

It isn’t possible to permanently shield your awning from getting torn. With age, it will eventually suffer some tearing.

What is a vinyl awning?

Vinyl awnings are made from a harder, plastic-like material. Although there’s no air circulation with this type of awning, it’s still designed to combat the development of mold and mildew via several layers.

How wide should an awning be?

If your awning is going to have any damage at all, small tears and holes are preferable. These must generally be about three feet wide (but sometimes less) to classify as small. That said, sometimes these are so miniscule that your awning looks fine, just a little worse for wear. You’ll only realize the issue once that you feel warmer when you sit under your awning. Perhaps rain gets through where it didn’t used to.

What kind of awning should I use for a RV?

Before we get into how to fix awning rips, you should know the different types of RV awning fabrics. Most manufacturers prefer acrylic and vinyl awnings because these are durable, relatively easy to clean, and cheap to produce.

Why are acrylic awnings so soft?

Acrylic awnings are softer than vinyl because they’re made of layers of cloth that weave through one another. There are miniscule holes throughout the awning, not enough to let water in, but just big enough that air can move. This is important, because it keeps your awning free of mildew, mold, and other unwanted bacteria.

Can you repair a tear in an awning?

Of course, before it gets severe, you want to try your best to repair the awning yourself. This will be more difficult with holes or tears that are three inches or wider, but not impossible. You should still try fixing these bigger holes before giving up and buying a replacement awning. Otherwise, you’re going to end up spending a lot of money.

Why do your own RV awning repair?

First, let’s touch on why you might want to do your own RV awning repair rather than taking your rig to the shop. There are actually a few different reasons for this, and each and every one is completely legitimate. Combine these reasons and it begins to feel silly to even consider a trip to the repair shop.

Types of RV awning damage

Clearly, it makes the most sense to do your own RV awning repair, and the first step in doing this is figuring out what kind of damage you’re dealing with. There are several different kinds of RV awning damage that can occur. These include:

How to repair your RV awning

Assuming your issue is small- to medium-sized holes or tears, repairing your awning isn’t too difficult and can definitely be done in an afternoon. Follow the steps below to patch your awning fabric and get on with your camping fun.

Avoiding future RV awning damage

Once you’ve done your RV awning repair or replacement, you’ll want to ensure it stays in good condition for as long as possible. While no awning will last forever, there are things you can do to extend the life of yours.

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Find the right awning tear fix

I knew that the small tear had the potential to become a bigger rip and also a bigger problem. So, I got right to work. Well, by that I mean I talked to other campers in our park and asked what they recommended or had successfully used. Then I researched online and ordered this awning repair tape. Why this one? Well, our awning is multi-colored.

Remove the awning

Once the awning was clean and dry, we began removing it from the RV. This was easier than I thought. Still, it took both Hubby, our adult son, and me to lift and safely detach the awning from the RV. You really need at least two people to safely do this—one on each end of the awning. It’s heavy, but we managed.

Apply the tape

We were fortunate to have parked the RV beside a paved concrete pad, so we used it as our “work table.” We placed our awning on the concrete and closely examined it for any additional holes or rips. Then we addressed the rip.

Preventing RV awning tears and rips

They say, “An ounce of prevention….” So here are suggestions for keeping your RV’s awning in good repair:

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